The Best Self-Monitored Alarm Systems

The Best Self-Monitored Alarm Systems

By Rose Thibodeaux - 01/13/2018

HomeAlarmReport.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Home alarm systems can be monitored or unmonitored. With monitored security systems, you typically sign a contract and pay a monthly fee to have someone watch your back 24/7. With self-monitored or unmonitored home security, you’re responsible for calling for help should the need arise. There is also “do-it-yourself” home security, referring to monitored systems which are self-installed, and no contract systems which provide monitoring without a contract.

Obviously, there are pros and cons to all four approaches. However, if you’re here, I will assume you’ve decided to go the self-monitored route.

Why You Should Trust Us

I’ve been in the technology business since 2003. I’ve been a technology reviewer since 2013 specializing in home security and smart home technology. I’ve tested multiple self-monitored systems including abode, eTiger, Scout, iSmartAlarm, SimpliSafe, SmartThings v1, SmartThings v2, Piper, Armorax, SkyLink, Oplink, GetSafe, and dozens of security cameras. I’ve also attended multiple Consumer Electronic Shows in Las Vegas as well as other trade shows where I’ve had hands-on experience with self-monitored systems such as Honeywell Smart Home Security, Angee, MyFox, Insteon, Oomi, and more.

What To Look For in a Self-Monitored Security System

Self-monitored home security is relatively new and the technology still young. Companies like SimpliSafe have been in the game for a while, but there is an explosion of new companies offering self-monitored alarm systems through the smart home market. With all the new choices, picking one can be a challenge. In general, you will want to look for a system that can communicate with multiple people in multiple ways while allowing you control and providing protection for things beyond burglaries.

1. Communication

If you plan to self-monitor your alarm, you are solely responsible for responding to any emergencies. From a communication perspective, it’s important that a self-monitored system can:

Send push or text notifications.

Call you if your system is breached.

Notify designated contacts, like friends or family members.

2. Control

Although communication is the most important feature, the ability to self-service the alarm is also important. Look for things like:

The ability to arm and disarm a system remotely

Full control over system customization.

Full control over modes like home, away, vacation, and sleep

3. Protection Beyond Burglaries

A self-monitored system should be smart. It should have the ability to follow rules with cause and effect relationships between different devices. For example, if carbon monoxide is detected, you can create a rule to turn your heating system off. Or you can create another rule that says if the front door is open, your security camera should automatically start recording footage. In doing so, it can potentially protect your home from flooding, fire, or even rapidly changing temperatures.

4. Visual Verification

Finally, you will want to add a security camera to your system if you choose to self-monitor. Trust me, there is nothing more annoying than receiving an alert when you’re miles away with no way to know if the event is serious or not.

*In addition to using a UPS, I’ve been informed that using the Satellite Siren is a nifty way to make sure iSmart continues to protect during power outages. I have not tried a Satellite Siren, but from what I understand, it uses three AAA batteries to keep the Satellite running even if power is cut.

The Three Best Self-Monitored Alarm Systems

abode

abode is a self-monitored home security system that ships with everything you need to protect your home while also providing access to several smart home features for free. In many ways, it is what Scout once was.

The abode Gateway includes battery backup and a cellular chip which you can activate for $10.00 per month. Of course, you don’t have to do that; you can use the system for free. For free you get smartphone notifications, email alerts, an IFTTT integration, integration with Amazon Alexa (Echo, Dot, etc.), Google Assistant (Home, Mini, Max, etc.), Works with Nest, and the ability to arm and disarm your system from anywhere. If you don’t mind paying, abode also sells professional monitoring services starting at $8 for three days of service.

As an alternative to the abode Gateway, you can use abode iota. iota shares many of the same features as the Gateway but it’s an all-in-one camera and hub that you can use to protect your home on its own or you can add other sensors. Just like the Gateway, iota supports Z-Wave, Zigbee, and abode RF. You can learn more about abode iota here.

From the abode app, you can view your camera’s live feed, control features like geofencing, and you can swap between abode’s three modes: home, standby, and away. If you want to customize which sensors should trigger in the different modes, create quick actions, or manage notifications, you’ll need to hop out of the app and head over to abode’s web portal.

Finally, abode has several security camera options. First, the initial purchase price includes an image sensor which abode calls the “Indoor Motion Sensor with Camera.” This device snaps three photos anytime it detects motion. If you want actual video footage, you will need to purchase one of their Indoor Streaming Cameras, or you can connect the system to your Nest Cam.

PROS:

Multiple Smart Home Integrations for Free

Battery Backup and Optional Cellular Backup

Professional Monitoring Available

Native Geofencing Feature

CONS:

Clunky Hardware

abode Camera Performance is not Impressive

Occasional Glitches as it is a Newer System

Web Portal More Robust Than Mobile App

iSmartAlarm

*Update 7/25/2017: iSmart is currently working through security issues. Some of the vulnerabilities have already been resolved in past updates and changes, but some are still in progress. We recommend waiting until all issues are resolved.*

If you just want something simple, you should buy iSmart. It isn’t as expandable or customizable as the other two options, but it’s easy to install and use. Out of the box, you will have everything you need to protect your home. The iSmartAlarm starter kit includes a siren, two door/window sensors, a motion detector, two key fobs, and access to their mobile app.

The iSmart app is the easiest of the three apps to use. Open the app up, and you’re presented with giant buttons to arm the system, disarm it, swap to home mode, or trigger a panic alarm. Scroll down, and you will also find a sleep mode. Plus, thanks to a recent update, modes are customizable. You can modify modes including deciding which devices should trigger an alarm and which should not. You can also customize notifications and the system’s siren.

iSmart also provides phone call alerts natively. Of course, you can setup phone call alerts for abode and Arlo via IFTTT, but this isn’t as reliable as a native feature. That said, iSmartAlarm works with IFTTT too. Through IFTTT, you can connect iSmart to other popular home automation devices like SmartThings, WeMo, Homeboy, Nest, Philips Hue, and more. If you don’t want to expand into home automation through IFTTT, you can add a smart plug to the iSmart system. The smart plug can be used to automate small appliances and lamps. Finally, iSmart has its own Amazon Alexa skill. Using the skill you can arm the system, disarm it, or swap modes with your voice.

Arlo Pro and Pro 2

Arlo Pro is a home security camera system. The cameras are wire-free, powered by battery, and controlled by a hub which is dependent upon both power and internet. Arlo Pro has additional home security potential when connected to other Arlo products and SmartThings.

SmartThings supports Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro 2, the Pro Base Station, Arlo Q, and Arlo Q Plus. If your camera detects motion or sound, you can trigger a video clip or a SmartThings automation. This sequence of events also works in reverse. For example, if someone opens your front door when your SmartThings system is set to “away,” you can record a clip and sound your Arlo siren (which happens to be the loudest of the three sirens). Or, if Arlo Pro detects a sound, you can have your lights set to turn on. Unfortunately, the integration with SmartThings still has bugs and not everything works as it should; however, the potential is still there.

Of course, you don’t have to connect to SmartThings to gain security value from Arlo Pro. Alone, the system can monitor for activity both inside and outside. It also integrates with IFTTT. Like abode, Arlo natively supports geofencing. It will arm and disarm itself as you come and go. You can also create schedules for it to follow or manually swap between modes. The modes are completely customizable, including the ability to include or exclude cameras. You can even create custom modes.

If you want full coverage, you can add other Arlo cameras and devices to your home. There’s the Arlo Q wired indoor camera, Arlo Baby monitor, and a coming soon smart floodlight. The Arlo Security Light (pricing TBD) is a battery-powered, weatherproof floodlight. It’s equipped with a motion sensor that can trigger the light or you can control it using your smartphone. From the app, you can turn it on or off and even change the color of the light. Finally, if used with Arlo cameras, its motion sensor can trigger the camera to record.

Nest Secure

The only reason Nest Secure isn’t on the recommended list is that it’s still new and I haven’t tried it. Nest Secure hit the market recently, so we’re still waiting on user feedback.

Nest Secure’s base station is called Nest Guard. For free, Guard will connect to all of your sensors, send notification of events, and allow you to integrate with other Nest products. You can activate Guard’s cellular chip for $5 per month and soon, you will be able to add professional monitoring.

Of course, Nest Secure works with all of Nest’s cameras, which is certainly an advantage over other self-monitored systems as the cameras are established and well liked. The system works with both Nest Cam indoor and outdoor as well as Nest IQ indoor and outdoor. Soon, Nest will also sell its own video doorbell, Nest Hello. Finally, the system will work with the Nest X Yale lock once the lock is released in March of 2018. Like Nest Secure, the lock uses Thread and Weave to communicate which means that it will remain operational even when the power is out.

Ring Protect

Like Nest Secure, the only reason Ring isn’t on the list is that I haven’t tried it and it’s not shipping. On paper, it appears to be better than iSmartAlarm. Not only does it rival iSmart’s inexpensive price, but it has battery backup, optional cellular backup, professional monitoring, and it is the first system to use a combination of Z-Wave Security 2 (S2) and Z-Wave SmartStart technologies to encrypt the signal between servers and hub as well as sensors and hub.

The Ring Base Station includes a siren. For free, the siren will sound and you will receive a push notification if an alarm event occurs. For just $10 per month, you can add cellular monitoring, professional monitoring, as well as 60 days of cloud storage for all of your Ring cameras, which is a great deal.

One of the biggest question marks with Ring is compatibility. We know that the Base Station supports Z-Wave and ZigBee but Ring has yet to release a list of compatible devices. They’ve also failed to release a list of third-party integrations though we are hoping to see players like IFTTT on the list. Ring Protect will work with all Ring cameras and video doorbells.

Honeywell Smart Home Security System

The Honeywell Smart Home Security System is also not yet available so I can’t recommend it. It’s expected to hit the market later this year. I did get a hands-on look at the device during CES 2018 and it does look like they’re on track to deliver a solid product. You can read Bethuel’s review of the system here.

Honeywell’s DIY security system relies on a device called the Camera Base Station. It’s an Amazon Echo-like device with a camera on top. It serves as the brains of the system, connecting with sensors and third party-devices via Z-Wave and controlling them using the app or voice control.

The Camera Base Station comes with its own AI voice assistant that can control the system with or without an internet connection. In addition, it can access Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri (via HomeKit).

The camera also boasts intelligent features such as facial recognition, motion detection with area masking, and sound detection.

Finally, the system will work with Honeywell’s Lyric product line, IFTTT, and HomeKit.

Scout Alarm

However, as of December of 2015, we no longer recommend Scout as a self-monitored home security system. In the past, they offered many features for free. But now, they charge. A paid plan is now required for:

Push notifications

Text message alerts

Email alerts

Phone call alerts

Access to Scout’s web portal and mobile apps

Cellular backup

24/7 UL-certified professional monitoring (Always On+ only)

Police dispatch capability (Always On+ only)

Integration with Amazon Echo, Google Nest, IFTTT and more

As you can see, Scout does a whole lot, but only if you are willing to pay a monthly fee. If you are, the system can work with IFTTT, Amazon Echo, and Nest.

Scout also offers professional monitoring without a contract. If you go on vacation one month and want a break from self-monitoring, simply give Scout a call and add service for a month. There are no contracts and no long-term commitments. They even have packages that will help keep your system connected. For example, you can add cellular backup to keep your system working during internet outages or you can skip the internet altogether and pay for a cellular connection.

SimpliSafe

I do not recommend SimpliSafe as a self-monitored system. As a self-monitored system, it is nothing more than a noise maker. It can’t send alerts, you can’t control it remotely, and you will not have access to their home security camera.

If you want to add service, you can do so without a contract. SimpliSafe offers three basic packages ranging from monitoring only to monitoring with app access. And like Scout, a paid plan can also provide access to Works with Nest. Unfortunately, SimpliSafe only works with the Nest Thermostat.

Piper

As of October 2017, Piper is no longer selling Piper Cameras.

The Piper NV is first and foremost a camera. It offers night vision and a wide-angle view so you can use one camera to monitor a large space. Through the mobile app, you can stream live footage of your home or even use two-way audio to communicate with others. If Piper detects motion or sound, it will notify you via text, push notification, email, or phone call. In fact, you can even use all four methods at the same time.

Last year, the Piper nv was our top pick for a camera-based approach as it can integrate with specific Z-Wave devices like door/window sensors, smart bulbs, smart switches, and a water sensor. It also has its own IFTTT channel. However, since Piper was acquired by iControl and subsequently Comcast Cable, the company has done very little to improve the hardware which was already somewhat glitchy. At this point in time, there are better options.

SmartThings

SmartThings was also a past nominee. However, it requires a great deal of effort to get the system to function as a home security system. While it offers wonderful creativity, it will require more effort than abode and iSmart. Also, the app remains difficult to navigate as reflected by its iTunes rating.

The new hub supports battery backup and allows devices to work locally as well as in the cloud. It also has a feature called “Smart Home Monitor”. From this one screen, you can arm your system, disarm it, check your system status, and even check the status of specific sensors. SmartThings can also connect to other devices, like Amazon Echo for voice control and web-based products or applications through IFTTT. You can even add professional monitoring for $19.99 per month through Scout’s (Yes, Scout’s) professional monitoring service. SmartThings will also be able to use ADT Canopy for monitoring once launched.

Wink Lookout

I apologize to all the Wink fans out there, but to call Wink Lookout a security system is a stretch. Lookout is really just a great name for a kit that includes a Wink smart home hub and a few security oriented sensors. You can’t arm and disarm the system. Instead, you turn alerts on and off. As you can’t disarm it, it can’t do things that a normal self-monitored system can do like trigger a camera to record or trigger the siren.

DISCLAIMER: I purchased the iSmart camera, Piper, SimpliSafe, Scout, Ring Protect, and everything SmartThings on my own, but the iSmartAlarm system, abode system, and Arlo cameras were given to me for testing. This did not impact my opinion, but I thought you should know.

70 Responses to "The Best Self-Monitored Alarm Systems"

02/14/2018

Luis G

I ended up going with geoarm.com i had to look a bit harder to find them but they use professional grade security systems. I went with the qolsys iq panel 2 which uses the alarm.com app and its by far the best app i have ever used and ive used some of the others listed in this article. With both internet and cellular communications to their central station i pay $18 a month and best of all NO CONTRACTs finnallyyy I had a 5 year contract before this never again!

I’m looking into an upgrade to my very simply (one arlo camera) self-monitoring system. I bought the arlo with the hopes of expanding and got a bit overwhelmed with possibilities of upgrading. Not sure if I need to start over and move on from Arlo or just upgrade it. I’d like to monitor my front and back doors. And possibly the yard. Any suggestions?

Hi Becky, do you happen to know which Arlo you own? Is it wireless or does it plug into a wall? If wireless, do you know if it’s Original, Pro, or Pro 2? If not, we can figure it out by answering two questions. 1. Does your base station have a siren? 2. What color is the ring around the lens?

I think expanding your system is the most economical choice and Arlo is a good system. You can add newer Arlo cameras (Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2) to your existing base station. The newer base station has a siren and local storage, but if you don’t care about that, you can use and expand what you have. Regardless of which base station you choose, I do recommend expanding with the newer cameras over the older Wire-Free cameras.

Have you been able to use Nest Secure yet? I have 3 Nest cams and a couple thermostats. I was very excited about Nest Secure but my home is around 4,300 sq ft and I’m concerned I won’t be able to hear the alarm go off. I also want what I get to eventually work with Google Home.

I have not. I ended up buying Ring Protect, but my order was canceled due to the issues between Ring and ADT. Nest Secure is so expensive that I’m trying to devise a way to talk Nest into sending a system to me! The fact that Nest Secure only has one siren is a bit concerning.

I haven’t even asked yet because I don’t have time to test it right now, unfortunately. Right now I’m testing five home security cameras and soon I’ll be headed to Vegas to cover CES so I’m thinking it will be February or so before I can begin testing. Even if Nest doesn’t have a test unit, I promise I’ll buy one in February or March.

We are looking for a self-monitored system and I feel like I’ve been reading for weeks without fully understanding any of it. We need a system with camera monitoring front door and backyard, windw/door sensors, and indoor cams. So far my top choices would be scout with integrated nest cams or maybe ring. I liked nest protect except we have a large dog so the combined window sensors with the integrated motion detectors seem really expensive when we wouldn’t be using the motion detecting part of it and would probably need one for each window. My understanding of using a nest or ring camera indoors is that it would send motion alerts and we wouldn’t need a seperate motion detector for those rooms. I like that scouts door and window sensors are more economical and that nest cams can be integrated. Any word yet if ring cams will also be integrated with scout? Is your lack of recommendation for scout soley because they charge for access or have you noticed other issues? Is the scout app intuitive and responsive? I think my biggest source of confusion is if we would be able to actually control the cameras from the scout app or would we have to be constantly switching back and forth between apps? Are you aware of the timeframe in which more info will be available me from ring? I’d love any insight or alternative suggestions. Thanks so much in advance.

Hey, Nicole. 1. Yes, both Nest and Ring cameras have motion detectors so you wouldn’t need a separate motion detector. That said, Ring does not sell an indoor camera, but there’s no reason why you couldn’t use the Ring Stickup Cam indoors. As you probably know, Nest has person detection which would be useful for motion detection accuracy as it would ignore your dog. 2. No word yet on Ring Cam integration with Scout; however, they both use IFTTT. The bad news is that Ring can only be used as a trigger, not as a reaction and the channel only works with the Ring Video Doorbell, not the Stickup Cam I mentioned above. 3. Yes, mostly. Scout charges for even basic features; for example, push notifications. Unless you pay, Scout will function as a local alarm meaning that it will sound the siren but won’t do anything else if an event occurs. You won’t be able to integrate it with Nest, use the mobile app, etc. To answer your other question, I haven’t used Scout in a while. I never found the app to be overly intuitive but it always worked. 4. From the Scout app, you will be able to access many, but not all, Nest features. From the app (mobile or web), you can live stream, view Nest events from your Scout activity feed, and you can connect Home/Away assist (if you disarm Scout, turn Nest off). However, even if you pay for Nest Aware, events are stored and viewed as short clips. If you want to view the whole video, you’ll click on the clip from within the Scout app and it will take you to the Nest app. 5. I’m not aware. I did order Ring Protect, and my order was canceled. Ring offered a very nice discount on my future order and said they would notify me when the time comes.

Hi. I appreciate all the work you’ve obviously done. Am not sure that I can find a self-monitored system because I’m a computer novice–don’t own one; go to the library. Is there hope for me. or should I quit wishful thinking?

It would be much more contingent upon your comfort level with a smartphone, assuming you want to be able to monitor when you’re at home and when you’re away from home. Also, you will need a newer smartphone running the latest operating system. What phone do you have? Are you comfortable using it? Did you set it up on your own?

Looking at SimpliSafe but it will never contact me first which my old systems will. You pay to make it more than noise and pay more for any control remote. Like ADT without the contract pay or it stops.

SimpliSafe can be hacked also but needs the equipment to do it.
They were vague about fixing and I get the sense its hardware level. My workaround would be leave the ADT signs up as the SimpliSafe signs would tell someone capable what you have.

I don’t have one. I saw the system at CES, but I don’t remember much about it. I can try to visit them this year when I’m in Las Vegas. I wish I had more information for you! I know that Honeywell is really trying to grow the space. I know you can self-monitor the system but for some reason I feel like you have to pay to do that. I also know that they sell Lyric security cameras. You can self-monitor the cameras without paying.

Thanks for the great insights. Can I get the Abode system but use a different indoor and outdoor camera? (For example, could I use Abode with a Nest or Arlo indoor camera and a cheap “no-name” outdoor camera?) Will they all work on the same Abode app? Which indoor and outdoor cameras do you recommend?

abode works with Nest. I have a section about using abode with Nest Cam here. Besides the abode cameras, Nest is the only camera that will integrate with the abode app. If you choose a different camera, you will have two different apps. In general, the camera I recommend depends on the situation. I like Canary indoor, Nest Cam Outdoor and Indoor, Ring Video Doorbell, Arlo Pro, and Blink XT.

Thank you. I want to go an outdoor camera for geofencing / video surveillance. So I would guess that I should use Nest, but I want it to be wireless. Besides, NEST monthly fees are very high. Any other outdoor wireless camera suggestions that work with Abode?

Or would you recommend that I use two different apps (Adobe for the home security and Arlo for the outside camera monitoring)? Thank you!

There’s a high probability, that most people will have to use two apps: one for abode and one for the camera they choose. If you want an outdoor, wireless camera that has a native geofencing feature, Nest and Arlo are both good options. Arlo includes cloud storage for free, but doesn’t offer 24/7 continuous storage, only event storage. Also, I recommend Arlo Pro over Arlo. And as you mentioned, Arlo Pro would require the use of two apps.

Hi,I need a system for my parents home and outside buildings like the shop,which has an open area attached that they would park there cars in and my dad had some of the larger tools,car ramps,air compressor etc that he kept in that area and then a tack room bc we keep the horses over there. I live across the road but need to be able to monitor the areas there. I’m just not sure what the best way to do that would be. Would I need to have Wi-Fi installed there, bc I don’t I could boost mine enough to get it to reach that far. I may, I’m just not sure. When my mom is there, she wouldn’t be alone at night, but there are going to be more instances than not that I’ll need to be able to monitor from home or if we are out. This is the tough one that I’m not sure how or what will be the most economical way to do this. Cameras that alert me of activity that I can visualise from my cell which is what I’m going to need at my home. Due to a few that have already been issued no trespassing orders but once a thief always a thief and you need to catch them. Therefore, I’d like to have the ability to have a few cameras in select areas of the pasture that would catch any activity where they would attempt to go thru. Plus,I would be able to monitor any issues with the horses as well. I haven’t figured out a way to monitor the electric fence yet for down fence or such, but I’m looking into that. But I’m pretty sure it will be out of any price range that I could touch.
Thanks.

I’d be extremely appreciative for any help you can give me.
I’ll need to be able to monitor both locations.

I need help picking a system. All I really need is the ability to arm in stay/home mode and the system will “chime” if a sensor is tripped. Like at night if a child gets up for some reason I want to know without sounding an alarm or requiring a pin to disarm. I am leaning towards abode because i do like all the features. Any thoughts would be very helpful.
Thanks.
J

If that’s all you need, iSmartAlarm would be more cost effective. You would actually keep the system in “disarm” mode. Then, under alarm settings, turn on door chime. When this setting is on, your CubeOne will sound a chime whenever a contact sensor is opened even if the system is disarmed. This way, you won’t have to enter a pin nor will the siren sound.

Thanks for the thorough reviews. One question I have is, if I go the self-monitored route, can I still have 911 dialed automatically when the alarm is triggered without the professional monitoring service? (ie. could I do an Abode free package and still get auto dialing to 911 with a tripped alarm?)

I want to keep it simple and lightweight for our smaller house that we may sell in a couple years, but my wife would still like the security of a system that she can feel safe in.

It seems like having a keyfob in the bedroom and/or an amazon echo in audible distance would be the dream for feeling secure if there’s an intrusion while home.

You’re welcome. To answer your question….No, you can’t get the 9-1-1 auto dialing with the free package. When an alarm is tripped, it actually goes to a third-party monitoring center and they call 9-1-1 for you. The fee goes towards covering the cost of the service. Most jurisdictions won’t let you automatically dial 9-1-1 direct. Yes, a keyfob in the bedroom is an awesome idea. I also have an article on using Amazon Echo for calls here.

This is true. I tried to communicate that fact in the chart by adding the cost for the motion sensor, siren, etc., where the other options note that these items are included in the mentioned price. However, it’s sometimes really hard to communicate these things through a chart! I’m open to suggestions if you have a better idea.

Hi, Paula. You will need to buy the new Sync Module when it launches (probably in April). On top of that, you will need to subscribe to Blink’s new $9.99 per month plan. In combination with the new Sync Module, this plan will add cellular/4G backup for the Blink cameras. You can learn more here.

I am seeking a fully DIY self monitored home alarm with the ability to work with Verizon Network, sending SMS. I don’t have an issue with a small monthly charge, but finding a system that is WIFI and the ability to text a Verizon phone.

I had a fully wired monitored system from ADT, but it’s old, although all of components are still in tack. It does not function any longer, so I’ve decided to go in a different direction.

When you say, “ability to work with Verizon Network”, you only mean sending SMS to a Verizon phone, correct? You don’t mean a security system that communicates over the Verizon network, right? If you want a system that will text to your Verizon phone, all of the systems in this article will work. Also, check out abode (review here). If you want a system that communicates over the Verizon network, you can ask SimpliSafe for a Verizon module. If you choose to activate the cellular chip within abode, it will use either AT&T or T-Mobile depending on which has the strongest signal. I’m not sure about Scout?

You did not include the Iris system from Lowes in your review nor do I see it mentioned anywhere in follow up discussion. Have you looked at the Iris by Lowes system and if so how did you rate it compared to those you tested.

We have a small review, but beyond seeing the system at CES, we’ve never tested it. You can read the review here. Though we only have one comment about the GEN 1 to GEN 2 migration, I know users were VERY upset by it. Not only was the migration mandatory, which was completely unfair to GEN 1 users, but users complained that GEN 2 was “a disaster”.

Hey rose thanks for all of the great info! I want to put together a self-monitored system that will send push notifications to my phone and gives audible notifications within the home when a door is opened with at least a chirp as I have small children and would like to know if they go outside. Secondly my home is approximately a 3000 sq ft single story and I am worried about range being an issue as with a wireless system. Based on my research I am most interested in the Wink, SmartThings, and iSmartAlarm. Will these or any other comparable systems provide the range, as well as the push notifications, and audible in home notifications?

Most of them will be able to handle a larger home, assuming you install multiple devices throughout. Working together, they create a mesh network and thus a stronger signal. They can also all send push notifications, so let’s focus on in-home notifications:

Wink – They don’t have a solution off the shelf, so you would have to build something. I’m not a Wink user and can’t make any recommendations.
SmartThings – You will need to get creative, just like you would with Wink. You could use an Aeon Doorbell or something like Sonos and then create a rule that says when the door is open, play a sound using Sonos. Finally, you could use old smartphones and download the IFTTT app to them. You could set the tone as chime and create a rule that says when the door opens, send an alert to my phone, then the phone will play the chime sound. My concern here would be that sometimes IFTTT rules run on a delay and you can’t afford a delay when you’re trying to protect your babies.
iSmart – iSmart can emit a tone when a contact sensor is opened even when the system is disarmed. However, the tone comes from the CubeOne. It might not be loud enough for you to hear as your home is larger. The iSmart Satellite Siren also supports door chime sounds. If you add a Siren in addition to your CubeOne, you should be able to hear it no matter where you are in your home.

I have been using for the last several years a Visonic Alarm . As of 1/1/2917 the 2 g service is no longer . ATT has taken the 2 G system down. Question is there a after market communication device or fix. This unit was, txt, cellular , multi numbers , remote arming and would inform you of what zone that was breached . 100 percent self monitoring. Is there anything close to this system out there .

How much did you pay per month? Did you check with Visonic to see if they offer a chip upgrade to 4G? And check out hologram.io. I don’t know anything about them, but saw them while looking something up for you. If these solutions are a no, you should check out Armorax. You would have to buy a whole new system, but it would be similar to what you are looking for: text, cellular, remote arming, it will show you which sensor triggered the alarm, and you can self-monitor.

I also have a Visonic system (PowerMax Pro), and it was fantastic as a self-monitored system while ATT was still supporting 2G. Visonic is based out of Israel and seems popular in UK/Europe. If you were willing to go through a somewhat complicated set-up you could choose from a full range of reporting options from landline automated voice reports to GSM text alerts/automated voice calls and even a web interface direct to your own base unit. (The web UI is pretty clunky and involves some fairly advanced home network configuration.) Unfortunately, all of the GSM modules are 2G only and as of yet Visonic has not given any information about when or if they will offer upgraded 3G/4G GSM modules. (They have another product line, PowerMaster, targeted at professional installations that has a 3G cell module.) The cost per month to do self-monitoring was only what you paid for landline or cell service. I was doing ATT prepaid for $100 per year. No fee from Visonic or any 3rd party monitor. Now the only option is T-Mobile for 2G service through 2020. Companies like hologram.io that advertise 2G for IoT devices are all reselling T-Mo. So, if you can get good 2G coverage from T-Mobile, you can use them. T-Mobile 2G coverage is worthless at my house (ok in other parts of town, but that does me no good). In a nutshell, the Visonic PowerMax line was a great professional-grade self-monitored solution, but they have stranded a bunch of customers with the 2G sunset.

Thanks for all the insight, especially on hologram.io, I’m sure it will be helpful to others. What a bummer that there’s no solution to get your equipment working, especially since you all were happy with it.

I have a Visonic Powermax Pro and when 2G sunsetted I just pulled the GSM module out following instructions in the manual (remove all power including backup battery), and plugged the POTS telelhone line port to a Xtreme Technologies Xlink BTTN Bluetooth Gateway-Black with a GSM unlocked phone and a Truphone SIM card. Had to pad a prefix three digits on the private report tel# but it works.

What is the best camera only system? I don’t necessarily want an alarm but want to install cameras to self monitor or receive alerts with movement. I am just starting my research, so I will continue to look more into it. This was very helpful!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the best of the self-monitored alarm system. It is really important to protect our business/home with a monitored alarm system.It makes us feel safe and secure. Are all the list above can be accessed remotely?

Hi Rose. Thanks for this very interesting research. Talking specific about the new “domotics” system for home protection, do you have a comparison or did any research about Canary, Cocoon, Notion, or any other one which are “non-monitored” system, simple to use (plug-and-play) and the pros and cons of the different technologies (ie. Canary use sound and camera to monitor while Cocoon has a kind of “sonar” and Notion is a multi-function sensor)?
Kind regards,
JR

I have not covered Notion. However, here is a comparison of Canary to Piper, Angee, and Nest Cam. And here is Cocoon vs. Piper. Both articles compare the different technologies in categories: who has the best video experience, the best storage experience, etc. Let me know if you have any questions.

Hello, I am looking for a fully self-monitored system that includes 10 window/door sensors and some motions sensors and will call cell phone and send text message alerts. I do not need a camera system; I already have that. I want a system that will speak to you when you are home and tell you “Front Door Open” or “Window Open”. Many years ago I paid ADT for monthly monitoring and the system they set-up did this. However, today they will not tell me what the system was (i.e. make model) so I don’t know what to buy. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I’ve tested many self-monitored systems and none of them talk. SimpliSafe talks, but without paying, you won’t receive text alerts and you can’t customize the names. For example, it will say sensor opened, but not “front door” opened. The only system I have that can do what you are describing is a professionally monitored system. To save you time researching here is a list of the no contract security systems that I’ve tested. I know for a fact these systems cannot “talk”: iSmartAlarm, SmartThings, Scout, SkyLink, OpLink, Piper, Canary, Nest, and Myfox. Though I’ve not tested Korner, I also know that it can’t talk nor can Wink.

I have ISmartAlarm and while it doesn’t talk (Which is really doesn’t want) you can customize the name and you get push notification if needed even if system not armed. So I know when “Front door” is opened and when “Shed door” is opened. However, it doesn’t do that for it’s motion sensor which I was looking to as it has to be armed for any notification.

Also when armed, when the alarm goes off, I receive, text, push notification and a call and I don’t pay anything extra. I can then monitor and disarm all from my smartphone. I planned adding a few spot cameras and additional sirens.

To Bill, consider buying the “Shield” package from ISmart Alarm, it has 8 door sensors and 7 motion sensors. It was enough for my 2 storey house plus it even capture signal from my shed. You can buy additional sensors from them if need be.

Hey Gregg, Apologies for the delay, we took time off for the 4th. As you are commenting on the self-monitored article, I’ll assume you want a self-monitored system. Is that correct? First of all, do you have internet? Several systems can monitor using an internet connection.

Fortress uses VOIP, but you will need to check with them on the specifics. You can read our Fortress review here. Also, you can check with eTiger as they support VOIP. Here’s a link to their website. Fair warning, I’m not familiar with ATT micro cell specifically, so you will need to check with both companies on the details.

I researched ATT micro cell today. It looks like it is a signal booster for cell service. I would suggest trying a cellular alarm system as many of them offer a 30-day return policy. It really just depends on what you want and if you want a professional or self-monitored system.

I see no reason to make it use the micro cell; most systems already have WiFi functionality, and since your micro cell is dependent on your internet connection in the first place going cellular isn’t buying you any further redundancy.

Are you aware of any “self monitoring” (IE: no notifications to police/fire/EMS; just e-mail/sms/app notifications on a smartphone) providers that could support a legacy hardwired system? Or, alternatively, do you know of any “hardware integration modules” for the self-monitored solutions you are familiar with?

I am working on designing a pretty robust system with a lot of sensors only available in hardwire versions (IE: closed or open loop). I also need the system to trigger output relays in certain alarm conditions. I have experience with several “legacy” alarm systems that can meet my needs, but bridging the gap between the system and my phone is where I’m finding difficulty.

I’m willing to pay a third-party service that simply relays alarm reports to my e-mail or sms, but I can’t find one that doesn’t /also/ notify relevant emergency services. I don’t want an operator, I just want the messages 😉

I can’t think of one off the top of my head. Scout Alarm had talked about a takeover system but it never became anything. I can’t imagine why this scenario you described wouldn’t be possible, but I don’t know who would support the service and don’t want to send you on a goose chase. Here is the article on the Scout system that didn’t take off. Something like this, right? https://www.dragoninnovation.com/projects/40-scout-takeover-system-by-scout-security

I ended up finding AlarmGrid after a slightly more extensive search. It appears to be restricted to Honeywell systems (and their remote management system AlarmNet), but it’s $10/mo for basic alerts and remote arm/disarm (no central station).

Thanks for the article, Carlos, and also the lead on updating an existing legacy system, Don! I’m leaning towards Scout, but with some existing hardwired window and door sensors, I may look into AlarmGrid. Let us know your feedback on that system after you’ve had it awhile, Don.

Thanks for sharing your criteria. Another site had recommended SimpliSafe but I looked them up and realized that you have to pay to get cell phone alerts. The problem is that the companies that don’t charge for this are newer. Seems kind of scary to trust home security to a newer company, no?

That is true about SimpliSafe and I understand your concern about being protected by “newer technology”. I’ve tested many self-monitored systems and they all have at least one “new technology” glitch. I know that over time the systems will get better. Also, I would prefer living with a glitch here and there so long as I get cell phone alerts. To me, cell phone alerts are critical when self-monitoring. Without alerts, you are completely disconnected from your home while you are away. No Bueno. Unfortunately, the established companies all charge for this benefit.

HomeAlarmReport.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

FTC Disclosure

The opinions expressed on this site are that of HomeAlarmReport.com and are subject to change. To maintain this valuable service, we generate advertising revenue from some of the companies featured.

HomeAlarmReport.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.